Doc’d up Halloween Colcannon

27102010

Halloween today has become a time of prepackaged sweet treats. But in the history of Halloween there is a rich and delicious gastronomic lore. One of the traditional dishes from the Emerald Isle for this festive occasion is Colcannon. Traditionally a basic side dish of cabbage and potatoes, this doc’d up version offers a complete meal with a cornucopia of fall flavors. There are also a tremendous amount health benefits to found within:

Phytochemicals (like isothiocyantaes) which may help protect against cancer (cabbage and kale)

Fiber (potatoes, kale and cabbage)

Flavonoids which act as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents (cabbage and kale)

So move beyond a reheated can of Hallow beanie weenies for your fall celebration meal and enjoy a healthful, delicious and traditional festive food guaranteed to keep the hunger goblins at bay. For a more healthful accompaniment, just leave out the bacon.

Ingredients:

1 tsp olive oil

½ pound red cabbage, sliced thinly

4 leeks (white parts only)

½ cup sliced tart apples like Granny Smith

Juice of 1 lemon

½ pound of kale, sliced thinly (remove the stems)

1 ½ pounds of potatoes

4 oz whole milk

4 oz butter

½ tsp mace (or nutmeg)

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

4 oz cheddar cheese

½ pound bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled

¼ cup bread crumbs (for topping)

Sauté the cabbage, leeks and apples with the olive oil and lemon juice, about five minutes then set aside. Steam the sliced kale for about five minutes, until bright green and set aside. Cook the potatoes in boiling water until fork tender. Remove, drain and return to the pot adding the butter, salt, pepper, cinnamon, mace, cheese and milk. Mash the potatoes until creamy. Add the cabbage, apples, leeks, kale and bacon. Place in 8oz ramekins and top with bread crumbs. Place under the broiler until the bread crumbs have browned. Serve immediately.

4 responses

Gosh Doc, that sounds fantastic. It’s spring here but weirdly enough I have most of those ingredients at home!! (No kale.) I love dishes where you just chop everything up and mix together… I’m salivating over that crumbed crust…
Robyn x

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